A Social History of Quakers in Scotland, 1800-2000

Description

This study shows the change in the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Scotland from the beginning of the nineteenth century, when it was in a perilous state and appeared unlikely to survive, to the end of the twentieth, by which time its membership was steadily increasing - in marked contrast to many other denominations. By analysis of primary sources, including minutes of Meetings, birth, marriage and death records, and contemporary journals, the demographics of Society membership are charted over the two centuries under consideration. While demonstrating that Scottish Quakerism was rescued from oblivion largely by the efforts of immigrants from England during the nineteenth century, the book also provides an analysis of the views and attitudes of contemporary Scottish Quakers which demonstrate the continuing appeal of an 'active and united body.'

About Author

Dr. Paul Burton, after several years in academic librarianship, is currently Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Strathclyde. He holds degrees from the Universities of Sheffield, Glasgow, and Strathclyde. Dr. Burton's interest in Scottish Quakerism arose out of his doctoral work in History. He has published a number of papers on Scottish Friends and is a member of Glasgow Meeting.

Contents

List of Illustrations; Preface by Callum Brown; Acknowledgements; Introduction: The Society of Friends in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries; Quakerism in Britain: The Historical Background; Quakerism in Scotland: The Historical Background; Migration and Social Change in the Society in Scotland during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries; Occupational Change in the Society in Scotland during the Nineteenth Century Families and Family Relationships in Scotland, 1800-2000; The Society of Friends in Scotland at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century; Education and Employment of Scottish Friends at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century; Change in the Society: The Perceptions of Scottish Friends; Conclusion; Appendices 1-10; Bibliography; Index.